OklahomaIrish

From my vantage point at the game it seemed like Michigan was bringing it and it was very concerning. The first game usually has the most mistakes. I wish we had a bigger athlete at Hainsey's spot. But like most of you, I agree it was more then adequate against maybe the best defense we see all year. I can already picture Winbush with time to throw next week and connecting on 65% of his passes.

Here in Okie land we picked Jafar Armstrong as the best new addition to this football team several weeks ago. In fact we joke that this team will go as Jafar as Armstrong will take us. I'm looking for 150 yards next week. Imagine when Dexter joins the team again. DYNAMIC DUO!!!!!

I wonder if Brey had any of those recruits at the game Saturday. I was there and I have never seen Notre Dame stadium like it was Saturday. It looks and feels inside way better than ever before. I believe Muffet had 3 of the top ten players in the nation at the game. Haven't confirmed that but they were expected to attend. Brey is doing a heck of a job. The freshman class is the best I have ever seen. Can't wait to see them this year.

There are those occasions when two quarterbacks work out. Texas defeated us with two qb's while during the same game we showed how ineffective two qb's can be. I sure was glad we had Book during the LSU game. I feel pretty good with Book as a back up and think he will play whenever needed. Just don't run one qb for a series and then alternate them.

The biggest improvement is always from year one to year two as a starter. Basically, Wimbush is going to improve on his numbers which were just below 50%. Biggest problem for him is the Michigan defense coming out the gate. I'm really not sure what to expect after his problems the other day. But when I look at the overall team we are improved across the board. We better win because I will be at the game!

A bit more good news. UConn guard, freshman Espinoza Hunter has transferred to Mississippi State. MSU still has the 6' 7'' monster in the middle and they are recruiting exceptionally well and this is the third transfer for them. However, they lost their top scorer, their point guard that hit the winning shot against UConn two years ago and another starter that was their best 3 point specialist. We could again face them in the Final 4 but we match up much better as Turner, Shepherd, Vaughn and Cosgrove will be double teaming the big gal. UConn lost 4 players off their roster and added 2 very good freshmen. Basically their roster took a small step down and ours took a big step up. Going to be a fun year.

Hey Brother, I've walked in your shoes. I can tell you two things of consolation. It will get better but it will take some time. Don't make any rash decisions. Stay close to Jesus. I've read many near death experiences where people actually were in heaven and the experience is beyond your comprehension. Your Vicky is now in a much much better place and you can talk to her anytime you wish. It will be a tough year but in the end, God wins and that means you and Vicky win and will surely see each other again. Prayers for both of you.

Last year, during the Final 4, our entire bench consisted of one player, 6' 4'' gal we call Coco. She didn't run the floor very swiftly, she lacked in stamina, never drove to the basket and was reluctant to shoot. Still, without her rebounding, defense and high percentage shooting, we would not have won the title. This year we have a 6' 4'' freshman sub that runs better, shoots out to the 3 point line (37%) and can drive to the basket and finish with either hand. She has a great spin move going to either hand. The second team also has Mabry (just my opinion), and she should be a 40+% shooter beyond the arc. Micayla Vaughn reminds me a lot of Breanna Turner and should make the second team dominate on the boards when teamed with Cosgrove. I envision that Muffet could bring in the entire second team on a few occasions to give them a chance to mature for the following year when we lose 4 stars. Look for the double post to be devastating. Shepherd will be very effective in the high post as she can shoot, drive and feed Turner. Second team posts are Vaughn and Cosgrove and they will be fun to watch their development. Good times for Irish fans.

Those who follow Muffet's warriors are well aware of the expectations in 2018. This team will be favored in every game and will threaten the 100 point mark on many occasions. The top 4 players of the national champions return, but just importantly is the return of Breanna Turner. Add now a new starting point guard in Jordan Nixon and you will see a team that can run, dominate with defense and score at will. This team is far superior to the team that just won the title with a slow, plodding but methodical point guard. We only played 6 players in the Final 4, next year I expect that number to be 10. Micayla Vaughn will return from an ACL tear and she was extremely efficient in her 13 minutes per game as she scored 8 points and rebounded 4 caroms. She is potentially a double/double when she becomes a starter. For now, she is superior depth. Throw in a 6' 4'' freshman by the name of Cosgrove. She can play. I read on a Louisville site that they compared her to Breanna Stewart. Maybe she isn't in that category but she has great moves around the basket with either hand and shot 37% from 3 point land. For depth at guard throw in a 6 foot, 5 star playmaker guard and a 4 star guard that made the U18 National team. I think Mabry goes to the bench to lead the second team and will be able to spot up and focus on making three's instead of running the ship. Look for a huge year from Jessica Shepherd. We would not have won this year if she hadn't been cleared by the NCAA. Jackie Young is becoming a great player with her tenacity in driving to the hoop and is becoming deadly with her jump shot. Arike will be even better as she now can take a better shot selection. Breanna Turner will be a sensation and has developed a jump shot. Connecticut loses Kia Nurse, Azura Stevens and a third player that slips my mind at the moment. Stevens is a huge loss as she declared early for the WNBA draft. She is 6'6" and dominated us. UConn has great freshmen coming in but they aren't enough to catch us. Not this year. As far as the future we have secured the commitment of the number one player Samantha Brunnelle 6' 2'' scoring machine. We are also leading on several top players. Should be the number one class in the country. Stay tuned for future reports and don't be surprised if we run the table this next season.

Rex is not about to lose his starting spot. He does so much for this team. We won last night because of the second half defense and Phleuger is our best defender. Team should easily crack the top ten next week.

Notre Dame men just beat the #6 team in the country. Next week we will be in the top ten in football, men's BB and women's BB. Just don't see any serious challengers out there for this prestigious imaginary award.

Even if we don't get him I really like the potential of these guys currently committed. I really like the last guy we got that had only 3 stars. He looks like a potential breakout with his measurables.

If Josh goes pro then I truly believe that Dexter will be the featured back next year. How many times have we seen somebody finally get their chance as others depart? It will simply be Dexter's turn. To those who wait their turn good things happen. Dexter will leave his mark at Notre Dame.

The receiving core is evolving and the cream is rising to the top. Problem is I don't see a Will Fuller in the mix, at least not yet. Stepherson got behind the Navy offense and helped sink them, but he doesn't have the best hands. Remember the slant for a touchdown that bounced off his chest. Actually, he bobbled the touchdown toss for a brief second. What I like is so much competition. Kelly keeps going after the great receivers and the next class may be stellar if we get St. Brown. Haven't followed the recruiting threads. What's the prognosis on getting him??

Wimbush is in his first year and I admit the passing game didn't evolve as I expected but I think it will improve against Stanford and on into next year. The stage was too big against Miami. Wimbush played scared. This will improve. I don't see a game next year with such a hostile enviornment.